Bayern Munich Face Arsenal Test Without Suspended Michael Olise in Champions League Clash

Bayern Munich will face a major test of their Champions League ambitions when they host Arsenal on Wednesday, with influential winger Michael Olise unavailable through suspension.

Olise was sent off during Bayern’s 3-3 draw with Viking last week after receiving two yellow cards within a minute. The French international was first booked for a foul before throwing the ball at Viking captain Zlatko Tripic following a verbal exchange, earning his dismissal.

The suspension comes at a difficult time for Bayern, as Olise has been one of their standout performers this season. The former Crystal Palace winger has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 10 appearances across all competitions, maintaining the form that brought him into Ballon d’Or discussions after an impressive previous campaign.

Bayern will also be without the full benefit of Jamal Musiala, who has been struggling with injury and illness. Meanwhile, Serge Gnabry and Lennart Karl have yet to reach their best form, increasing the responsibility on Harry Kane to lead the attack.

The England captain has contributed nine goals and six assists in 10 games. He was particularly influential in Bayern’s comeback against Viking, scoring twice and providing another goal after the German side fell 2-0 behind.

Following Bayern’s emphatic 6-1 Bundesliga victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, Kane acknowledged that Olise’s absence would be felt but challenged the rest of the squad to take responsibility.

“Missing one of your biggest players, you’re going to feel it for sure, but that’s where other people have to step up and show they can take their opportunity,” Kane said.

“We talk about the squad a lot, we talk about being ready for your moment and whoever plays will have to be ready.”

One encouraging development for Bayern was the performance of Luis Diaz against Leipzig. The Colombian forward scored three goals and supplied an assist, delivering an outstanding display after a difficult start to the season following his move from Liverpool in 2025.

His performance could provide Bayern with another attacking option as they prepare to face an Arsenal side that has started the campaign strongly.

Kane expects a special night against Arsenal

Kane is familiar with Arsenal from his time at Tottenham Hotspur and has faced the Gunners several times since moving to Bayern in 2023.

The two clubs met in the 2023-24 Champions League quarter-finals, with Bayern advancing by an aggregate goal. However, Arsenal secured a 3-1 victory over the German side in the league phase of last season’s competition.

Despite the rivalry, Kane said the busy fixture schedule had left little time for personal exchanges with his Arsenal counterparts ahead of Wednesday’s encounter.

He added that Bayern were looking forward to testing themselves against Mikel Arteta’s team, whom he described as one of Europe’s leading sides.

Arsenal have won 10 of their first 11 matches across all competitions, according to the supplied report. The London club are also seeking a response after losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League campaign.

Bayern, meanwhile, will look to build on their dominant performance against Leipzig and use their home advantage to overcome Olise’s absence.

Kane said the occasion was one the players should embrace, highlighting the quality of the opposition and the atmosphere expected at Bayern’s home ground.

“It’s a big game and we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe, you have to always enjoy these occasions,” he said.

“We’re testing ourselves against one of the best, we’re here at home, the energy, the fans, it’s going to be a special night.”